The North Greenville Crusaders kicked off their second conference series of the season with a win over the Belmont Abbey Crusaders. Eleven runs off fifteen hits proved to be enough on a cold day in Tigerville.

Tucker Burgess was given the start for North Greenville while Blake Waldren started the game for Belmont Abbey.

NGU struck first in the second inning with an RBI single to center field by Taylor McCuen.

In the top of the fourth, Belmont Abbey would get their only lead of the game with a three-run home run to left center by Luke Cureton. NGU quickly responded in the same inning with two runs to tie the game, a McCuen RBI double to left center and a sacrifice fly by Eric Gilbert.

North Greenville was able to grab the lead with a big sixth inning. Clark Scolamiero drove in the first run of the inning with an RBI single to left center field. With runners on second and third, Connor Grant grounded out to shortstop, which drove in another run. McCuen would then come through with his third RBI hit of the game to make the score 6-3 in favor of NGU.

Belmont Abbey added two unearned runs in the seventh inning, an RBI groundout by Nick Beinlich and a sacrifice fly by Kayden Krause.

With the score 8-5 heading to the bottom of the eighth, North Greenville would add some additional insurance runs in the inning. Andrew Meadows came through with an RBI pinch-hit triple to center field. Andrew Plunkett would then hit an RBI infield single, and Scolamiero connected to drive a ball to center field to bring in the third run of the inning.

Connor Grant was called to pitch the ninth inning. With a runner on first, Krause connected to send the ball over the left field wall for a two run home run. Grant then settled in and retired the next three batters to complete the victory. Burgess received the win for NGU and Blake Waldren was charged with the loss for BAC.

Also making pitching appearances in the game for North Greenville were Kyle Kadlub and Sam Pruitt. Neither pitcher gave up an earned run.

The two teams will face each other in a doubleheader tomorrow to complete the series. First pitch is set for noon.